As Indian EAM Dr Jaishankar said, there cannot be normalcy in relations with China until borders are peaceful, a report pointed out that China has invested in the construction of military infrastructure in the Shaksgam Valley which poses a threat to India. The China-Pakistan nexus on the boundary in the Karakoram area of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) violates India’s traditional and legal rights in PoK. China has gone a step ahead and developed military infrastructure and roads in the disputed region, presenting a clear danger to India.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, S. Jaishankar said that China tried to coerce India in 2020 during the Galwan stand-off by violating agreements, so unless there was peace on the borders, there cannot be normalcy in bilateral relations.
While addressing a press conference highlighting the achievements of the NDA government’s nine years in office, Dr Jaishankar said large parts of world now see India as a development partner and that the Global South perceives India as a reliable partner. He also said that India is making significant economic impact that has been recognised globally.
The Minister said that there were challenges of cross-border terrorism when it comes to bilateral relations with Pakistan, which India has never tolerated. Jaishankar added that India has de-legitimised cross-border terrorism.
Regarding relations with China, Dr Jaishankar said, “We want peace with China, but if peace agreements are violated then what can be done. However talks happen.” He spoke about India’s efforts at maintaining peace and that he spoke to the Chinese just before Galwan happened and told them about movement of their troops. EAM added, “We have to find a way to disengage, otherwise relations (with China) will remain impaired if the border situation doesn’t improve,” he said.
China has constructed military infrastructure and roads in the Shaksgam Valley, a trans-Karakoram tract illegally occupied by Pakistan and then ceded to China, Pardafas reported. This territory belongs to India and New Delhi has been opposing Chinese land grab here. China’s traditional aggression across the LAC in fact diverts India’s attention from China’s illegal land grab in PoK.
In the last several years, China has kept up military pressure on India, through its incursions across the LAC. A recent study by Northwestern University shows that China’s incursions are strategically planned with the objective of making a permanent Chinese presence in these areas, Pardafas report said.
Border transgressions and incursions are well documented in all three sectors of the 3,488 km long border that India officially shares with China. However, far more sinister military aggression has been underway in PoJK.
